Where to start.

J

Jmarshall

New member
Hello,

First post here, long time lurker. But to save a long sob story, my dad died before he could really teach me to hunt. I was taught basic gun safety and marksmanship before he passed on and continue to keep in practice. But I want to be able to keep this family tradition going. So, Where is a good place to start? Hunter education course I would assume, but beyond that what can i look for?

Thanks,

Jason M
 
HSC is a good start, while there talk with the instructors about helping point you in the right direction. What you need is a friend that could double as your meantor and the instructors may fill that void or at least get you started. You could post where you are located here along with what kind of hunting you are interested in and some of the posters here may help.
 
Spend all the time you can outdoors, just sitting and watching. See what critters do. Even a city park at first light in the morning is educational. If you can find farm/ranch areas for the s&w, even better. Lots of critters start moving in the last hour of daylight. Binoculars are helpful. 7x35 is good; medium quality/cost, for starters...
 
Hunters education is definitely the first step. Most Hunter's Ed instructors are volunteers and are some of the most helpful folks you'll meet when it comes to getting started in the outdoors. We don't do it for a paycheck, just to help pass on the tradition.

What Art said is true though. Just watching animals gives you an idea of their behavior. Pick up a few books on the subject as well and do some reading to fill in the gaps. But most of all get outside.........

What state are you in BTW?
 
You are definately in a hunter's paradise. In addition to the great advise given already, let me add one more. It is FAR easier to gain hunting skills on small game than it is on big game. If I recall my biology correctly, there is some huntable small game in your area that can be done without great expense. Use that to gain the wilderness skills you will need to go after bigger game.
 
I havent been able to find much information on what small game is around here, I was hoping there would be some non native/invasive stuff I could start with but havent found much. There is no limit on porcupines, I found that kidna funny.
 
Hang out where the sportsmen aggregate. Express yourself.

Dad was killed when I was 20 and that's how I stayed in the game. Given your location, a few mentors should not be a problem.
 
In your area, you should have grouse, rabbits (or hare), probably ptarmegan and LOTS of waterfowl.

A decent shotgun and a few pieces of equipment and you can be hunting without a large investment in either time or money.
 
maybe i missed it but how old are you?

there are some states that have mentor programs. i have signed up to help first timers in south dakota. MUST be a program like that in alaska
 
Should be lots of public land up there to hunt most any given animal you take a liking to. I feel sure if you ask around you would be able to make a few friends to get you started, never hurts to ask question.
 
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